Well, 2023 is almost over, and depending on when you are reading this, it might already be over. However, I thought it would be cool to look back on this year and take stock. Not on my life, this isn't Facebook. No, take stock on Alan Becker's animations. What did he do this year? Well, he and his team did quite a lot, and I cannot lie, every bit of it is amazing.
In all, 2023 brought to us a total of nine new long videos--seven if one was to exclude the Actual Shorts compilation and the AvM Season 3 Real-Time videos--and 42 Actual Shorts. As for the seven long videos published, we got three AvM Shorts, two AvA Shorts, (Both of which started new seasons of their respective series) and a new series altogether, Animation vs. Education. All in all, it was a pretty great year, but as with anything, some things are better/worse than others. Of the seven normal length videos published in 2023, (Nothing about the Actual Shorts, no AvM Real-Time) how do they stack up against each other? Well, I've decided to rank all of them, from worst to first.
#7 Ultimate Minecart Race - AvM Shorts Episode 31[]
I hope I doesn't come across as bashing this episode. I find this episode really exciting and entertaining. However, compared to its peers, someone had to go last, and for me, this is it. Coming off the heels of the greatest video on YouTube, I do think it fits well. After the insanity of AvM Season 3, I think it's a good idea for the Gang to just unwind with a little "casual" fun, an insane race. It also continues the story with Yellow using his new Staff, so props for continuity. The battles between the four racers are also intense, as always, and the fact that it ended with a four-way tie is the best possible ending. Either they are all equally good at racing or equally good at sabotaging each other. Blue also became Sonic for a good period of time, so that was fun. However, in my opinion, this is the weakest of the 2023 releases for being a bit more generic compared to its peers (Alan has done races before) and it's also considerably shorter. The second shortest video this year was 14 minutes, about twice as long as this. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot to love about this episode. It fits the AvM storyline quite well, their fights are great, and the ending is also funny, but if you ask me, compared to its 2023 counterparts, it is a step down. However, if this is the worst of what 2023 had to offer, then that's great sign showing how incredible this past year was.
#6 The Chef - AvM Shorts Episode 32[]
There is quite a large gap between this and Ultimate Minecart Race, UMR, but like its predecessor, someone had to go in the next-to-last spot. This is another episode I really like. It's considerably longer than UMR and it tells a great story. What puts this above UMR is the incredible portrayal of the many different cultures the Stick Gang visit, be that Hispanic, Asian, or European. I think this episode handled that really well and I was in awe watching it for the first time. I also like how Blue was given a leading role in this episode. It is a nice change of pace seeing each member of the Gang shine in their own way. For UMR, it was Yellow, who had to compromise who won a four-way tie, and for this, it was Blue, who himself learned that sometimes the journey is worth more than the destination. That, or experience is the best teacher. I guess it depends on how one interprets it. I also like how it was foreshadowed in AvM Season 3 - Real Time, but that's a little something extra. As for Blue's journey, it is cool seeing him take the lead and seeing his friends catch on relatively quickly, even despite a few hiccups. Their determination really shines through in this episode and I like that a lot, and the stakes, while not as massive as other episodes, are still tangible and gripping. I for one cheered when they passed the final taste test and won the cookbook. And then, there's that ending, with Green punching the Chef in the face. It's hilarious. I burst out laughing when that happened, and it all worked out in the end. Blue's starving friends got some great food to eat and Blue himself came away with a lesson well-learned, something I imagine will stick with him for a while. If nothing else, he has some great recipes to try and experiment with. Another banger from the master himself. Netherwart pizza, anyone?
#5 Lucky Block Staff - AvM Shorts Episode 33[]
The last episode to come out in 2023 can be summarized in one word: Bonkers. I can only imagine how long it took to animate this episode, especially all the changing blocks, but I believe it came out really well. I knew while watching it the Fandom would go crazy, and I was correct, this episode adds so much to AvM Lore. As for the episode itself, like I said, it is wild, but it works. I think what I like most about it is it develops Red's character a whole lot. He has always been the excitable younger brother, and this shines through throughout this episode, but it also shows his maturity and heart when he shows remorse for what he did and accepts his punishment at the end. Like the two AvM episodes prior, it develops one of the main characters in a new way. With all the primaries done, will the secondaries be next? I hope so, might be a great excuse to see Purple again. Anyway, this episode is amazing. The Orb is back, and it's even more powerful than ever, quite a legitimate threat for the Gang. The fight scenes in this episode are, as always, incredible and the references to past episodes are awesome. I just love seeing the continuity in these episodes, but like I said, it's Red's arc that makes me like it as much as I do. I love seeing him interact with the legend Beeper and his punishment actually got a laugh out of me. I think he got off easy, considering he almost got his friends trapped for life inside of bedrock. He did save them in the end, so I think that helped. And then, there's Beeper. I love this little guy. Seeing him cheer Red up is so heartwarming and his final sacrifice is so gut-wrenching and I love it. The legend will never die, and neither will you, Beeper. RIP buddy. We shall never forget your sacrifice.
#4 Animation vs. Physics[]
Alan's new series makes an appearance at the exact midpoint of my ranking. If I could describe this episode in one word, it would be, "Breathtaking." I remember watching this for the first time, which, seeing this pop up in my YouTube feed is always a surprise for me, but seeing it was awe-inspiring. Alan and team caught the beauty and complexity of many different types of physics, and it took me back to my High School days. I vaguely remember parts of it, but everything astrophysics related... You've stumped me. I guess that's why I have it ranked so high. This episode puts me in awe whenever I watch it. There may not be awesome fight scenes like other Alan Becker videos do, but this episode is just plain beautiful and surprisingly educational. Watching it is simply incredible. The stunning graphics and animation, the storytelling... The storytelling. I have to praise this episode's story. It's really awesome how someone can take school subjects and turn them into an incredible story. I'm sure for some subjects, that's easy, like grammar, writing, history, and the like, but to do that with math and physics, something I'm sure most people associate with numbers, lines, arrows, etc., that takes talent. AvP nailed the story, and practically every moment had me captivated and in awe. I guess above all, it just shows me the majesty of our world, and of creation in general, and as a Christian, this episode to me captures the beauty of God's handiwork and precision. It's another reminder of my God in work, and I believe He's still working. (I am aware many people do not share this sentiment. If you don't, well, I hope I am not coming across as forcing. This blog is all my opinion and interpretation) If not for the stiff competition in 2023, this episode would be higher, but considering what's in front of it, #4 is a great spot. Also, wouldn't the past version of The Second Coming be The First Coming? Just something to think about.
#3 Animator vs. Animation VI Episode 1 - Wanted[]
The first to crack the top 3 is the first of a new season on AvA. This episode is everything I could've wanted for a new season of Animator vs. Animation, some friendly sparring, The Chosen One on the run, four terrific villains in the Mercs and the big reveal of victim at the end. This episode got me into AvA1 and AvA2, a couple of episodes that turned me off mostly due to their short length. Nothing against Alan or his team, but I think most of us can agree that they have gotten far better as the years have gone by. I think what I like most about this episode is the fight scenes between TSC and the Mercs, with the climax being his duel with Agent. It not only shows the Mercs as dangerous, but also shows Agent's abilities and threat level. Not even TCO could handle them. TSC had no chance, and he knew it. It's just a shame TCO didn't take no for an answer, but that makes sense because we are shown the flashback showing TSC's true potential. Another great scene is the chase scene between the Mercs and TCO. The multiple environments, the return to the iconic cliffside, TCO and Agent's first clash in midair, everything works. While the Fighting Stick Figures didn't have much to do, they did their job well and their bond with TSC shines, especially when they willingly jumped through the portal and raced after them without a second thought. No doubt their first thought was, "Wait, what are you doing? Come back with our friend!" And then, there's the big reveal, probably the second biggest reveal of the year. victim's return is mind-blowing, and raises a plethora of questions. How did he survive? What has he been doing for the past 17 years? How did he raise a tech empire to rival Apple? I'd imagine we'll learn of his backstory eventually, but nonetheless, this episode has it all, and it's a great way to start Season 6 of AvA. I am so excited for what's to come.
#2 Animator vs. Animation VI Episode 2 - The Box[]
I am prepared to get a lot of flack for this, but I don't care. This list is my opinion. That said, I'd imagine most people would put this at #1, but for me, one episode gets priority over it. Nonetheless, this episode is amazing. My favorite aspects are probably the fight scenes between victim and TCO, victim's motivations revealed, and the cream of the crop, the biggest reveal of them all: TSC's powers revealed. I remember watching it for the first time and I was hyped seeing it. TSC just looking at his hands, and even though he has no face, nor facial expressions, one can see the shock and horror as he looks at his hands. It just screams to me, "Was that me? Did I really do that?" Well, now he knows that TCO was getting at the episode prior. Another high point for me was Yellow's role. The fact that he was singled out compared to his peers makes me really excited for Episode 3. Yellow is one of my personal favorite characters, so seeing him have a more critical role is really exciting for me. And then, there's what Alan and his team are most famous for: the fight scenes. victim toying with TCO so brutally is not only intense to watch, but it also has an important role as victim was softening up his successor in order to get answers easier. I suspect victim knew that TCO wouldn't talk, so flexing his power might convince TCO. It also shows his power and fighting prowess, making him look like a lot more of a threat. Even after this pummeling, TCO refused to talk, so victim shows off his gadgets and technology with a mind-reading device. I would not be surprised if this tool made a reappearance in Episode 3, if only to dig through Yellow's memories to learn how to recreate Alan's cursor. Speaking of, this episode also reveals victim's motivation. I personally find this really captivating and I am looking forward to seeing where the story will go next, especially since victim seems to have all the cards.
#1 Animation vs. Math[]
I'm doubt this is most people's top pick, but I'm not most people. I love math, ever since I was a kid. I just have always had a love for numbers (and letters) ever since my youth, so seeing my favorite animated series fight my favorite subject in school is always a treat to watch. What astounds me the most is the fact that most (if not all) of the math is accurate. But aside from that, this episode portrays the wonders and complexities of math beautifully, from simple arithmetic to full-on Calculus. Not only that, but the fight scenes are incredible as always. It's amazing how imaginative this episode is. I mean, who would've thought to use Euler's Identity as the antagonist? Me personally, I might've made it pi, or i, or something like that, hence why I am not an animator. *shrug* Back on topic, the fights are insane, and so is the final boss, Numberzilla. I wonder how he would've done against someone like The Chosen One, or The Dark Lord, or another of the series' most overpowered characters. Considering it wields an integral staff that goes from 1 to infinity, I imagine it could hold its own. It did just fine against TSC, until he himself became overpowered. But the main reason I have this at #1 is my love of math. That's what puts it above everything else 2023 had to offer (in terms of long videos. Some Actual Shorts might top it). Between my personal love of math and numbers, the incredible fight scenes, the resolution between TSC and "e to the i pi" (which is how it's read) and all the math references (making a circle into a cylinder by multiplying it by a height was genius) this earns the top spot from 2023.